In addition, 40 players will be offered national team contracts, with the Jillaroos also set to play matches in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

It is expected that up to six teams will participate, but it's not yet confirmed which existing franchises will be involved, with the New Zealand Warriors and Brisbane Broncos both said to be interested.

The NSW women's competition will continue to run during the winter, as it did in 2017, when Redfern defeated North Newcastle in the grand final.